What is French liberalism?

French liberalism is rooted in the broader tradition of Enlightenment thought, which emerged as a dominant political philosophy in the 17th and 18th centuries. This philosophy sought to determine political legitimacy based on reason, secular scholarship, and rational debate, contrasting sharply with pre-Enlightenment reliance on divine revelation, tradition, and authoritarianism 1.

The Enlightenment shift led to political structures that favored parliamentary politics, separation of powers, democracy, and civil and human rights. This liberal philosophy emphasized limited government, equality, freedom of expression, and scientific progress. Capitalism also became a significant component, marking a move away from feudal aristocracies 1.

A key aspect of liberalism, especially in the French context, has been its flexibility and the ability to adapt and incorporate different critiques and evolutions over time. Figures like Carl Schmitt critiqued liberalism by arguing that it was idealistic in thinking people with extreme political differences could coexist peacefully merely through rational debate. Schmitt believed that liberalism failed to confront the real political conflicts and masked genuine power struggles behind the facade of peaceful democratic processes 2 3.

Additionally, debates around liberalism often hinged on its role in democracy. Some experts argue that liberalism historically precedes democracy and that the two need to coexist carefully, ensuring rational discourse and protecting against mob rule, as seen in discussions around Brexit and broader European democratic challenges 4 5.